By ChinRes 
Despite the fact that the chai latte is a seasonal favorite, there are times when you need a beverage that gives you a little bit more energy to get through the day. For this spiked pumpkin chai latte, I took the traditional spiced black tea and elevated it to a higher level. I started with freshly steeped chai and a shot of whiskey, blended it with milk, pumpkin puree, and maple syrup, and then topped it with whipped cream.
For those times when the days are becoming shorter and the leaves are beginning to change, this is the ideal beverage to have after dinner. If you want to get the autumn season off to a good start, serve it over a heap of pecan sandies that have just been made.
Ingredients
- 2 black tea bags
- 1/4 c. pumpkin puree
- 1/4 c. pure maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
- 2 oz. whiskey
- 1/2 c. plus 2 Tbsp. whole milk
- 1/8 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus more for serving
- Whipped cream, for topping
Directions
Step 1
Pour one tea bag into each of the mugs. A kettle containing at least 10 ounces (1 1/4 cups) of water should be brought to a boil. Put a quarter cup of hot water into each of the mugs. Let it sit for five minutes. Taking out the tea bags, pour one ounce of whiskey into each of the mugs.
Step 2
In the meanwhile, combine the pumpkin puree, syrup, cardamom, and pumpkin pie spice in a measuring cup or bowl with a spout and whisk them together until they are completely smooth.
To Use A Frother
Step 1
Mix the pumpkin milk combination in a medium heatproof basin and microwave it in increments of twenty seconds, stirring in between each increment, until the temperature hits 140 degrees, which should take around two minutes in total.
Step 2
Proceed to pour the mixture into a frothing pitcher while working in batches. With the frother inserted about three-quarters of the way to the bottom, froth the mixture until it becomes frothy and thick. Place the leftover foam on top of the cup after pouring it in. Pumpkin pie spice should be sprinkled on top of lattes. Make use of whipped cream as a garnish.
To Use An Espresso Machine
Step 1
Take the pumpkin milk and pour it into the frothing pitcher in batches. Then, tilt the pitcher slightly and place the steam nozzle into the pitcher so that it is just below the surface of the milk.
In twenty to thirty seconds, open the steam valve and heat the pumpkin milk combination until the pitcher is hot to the touch. This should result in the formation of some little frothy bubbles.
Step 2
Tea should be poured into the cup, and any residual froth should be spooned on top. Pumpkin pie spice should be sprinkled on top of lattes. Make use of whipped cream as a garnish.